Depending on budget and location, you must select an apartment with less square footage than you dreamed. How small is too small? What about a 200-square-feet apartment?
Micro-apartments are becoming more popular as rents go back up in major urban spots like New York City. It might be all you need if you hate clutter and love a minimalist aesthetic. You can make it work as a single person or a couple.
But how big is 200 square feet, really?
How to calculate 200 square feet
When you’re touring the apartment complex, the leasing agent will let you know the square footage of every unit you see. But, what if the community isn’t as formal, you’re looking into a smaller complex or a garage apartment?
Knowing how to measure the square footage of your future home is incredibly helpful. Here’s how to do it.
You’ll need a pencil, paper, your phone’s calculator and a long tape measure (100-foot or more)
Start with the first room in the apartment. Look at the room’s shape — is it a rectangle, triangle, trapezoid or another shape? This will help record the dimensions of the room.
Use the tape measure and measure the width and length of the room in inches, rounding up to the nearest inch (or feet if your tape measure has it). You want whole numbers for this.
If you measured inches, divide each number by 12 to convert it to feet.
Use this square footage calculator to input the width and length of the room in feet. You’ll get the square footage of the room you’re in. Do this in every apartment room and add the square footage together at the end of all rooms.
Can you live in 200 square feet?
You’ve seen the headlines, “Can you believe this person lives in 200 square feet?” How big is 200 square feet, really? For example, a 400-square-feet apartment is about the size of a standard two-car garage. At the same time, a school bus equals a 300-square-feet apartment.
The best way to visualize 200 square feet is to think about a one-car garage with an average-sized car with little room on the sides. It will be a small studio that you’ll have to furnish strategically and keep low on clutter.
This studio floor plan from Nora Apartments in Seattle, WA, is an example of what an apartment close to 200 square feet looks like.
Source: Rent./Nora Apartments
Tips for living in 200 square feet
You don’t have to sacrifice your style or your sanity to live in 200 square feet.
Go monochrome
Paint can take you very far in a small space. A cool bright white from floor to ceiling and cohesive finishes will instantly make the space look bigger. Choose a neutral color palette that you’ll carry from your furniture to your linens and accessories to create a calm space.
Too much color can quickly overwhelm the senses in a 200-square-foot apartment. For example, keep your bedding crisp white with subtle stripes if you need a pattern. It will open up the space and make it look more together.
Have a place for everything
Having a place for everything means no clutter. Decide what you need to display and what doesn’t in each room and put it away.
If you need more small space storage, go vertical with shelves above the couch, the toilet or your desk. It will clear the floor and make the space look bigger. Get clever with your space usage. Use baskets or the inside of your oven for your pots when not in use.
Embrace dual-purpose furniture
Can a desk function as a work spot and your nightstand? How are you using your closet for clothes and homewares?
Have a big suitcase? Use it to store your blankets and bedsheets when not in use. Maximize your space by using the space under your sofa, bed and coffee table to store, display and organize any of your things.
Understand your layout
Understanding a small apartment’s main paths and overall layout will help determine the main spaces to decorate and prioritize. It’s not enjoyable to keep tripping over something because it’s not in the right place.
Identify the paths you take the most to the kitchen, bathroom and bed to mark them off-limits when buying furniture. This will quickly bring a little peace to the chaos and make your apartment look more put-together.
Clean windows
This seems small, but keeping your windows clean will bring more natural light into the space and make it seem brighter. Place a mirror nearby to reflect all that good light to other spots in your small apartment.
Only use thin, light-colored curtains to maximize the light for those windows.
Make your 200-square-foot apartment mighty
It all comes down to your lifestyle — 200 square feet is more than enough for someone with a minimalist personality that doesn’t need too much. Just because you are going minimal, it doesn’t mean you can’t make that apartment a home.
You can make this small apartment beyond cozy while being intentional about what you bring into it. Don’t get too stuck in the “how big is 200 square feet” and more in the potential for you.
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.
My friend Gillian called the other day — she’s been having money trouble and was looking for help. “I’m not really a financial advisor,” I told her. “I write about money, and I try to help people at my web site, but I’m not qualified to coach you one-on-one.” Still, she’s a friend, so I resolved to at least give her some advice. I asked her to explain the situation.
“Tom and I are working all the time, but we’re always broke. He just wrecked his car, but we don’t have money to get it repaired. We’ll have to use the credit cards again. We don’t have any other choice. There’s never anything left at the end of the month,” she said. “I need some help budgeting so that we don’t keep having this problem.”
“Well, let’s see what we can do. I guess the best place to start is with your monthly income and your monthly expenses. How much do you and Tom bring home each month?” I asked.
“About $4,000 after taxes.” That was about what I expected.
“How much do you spend?” I asked.
“All of it,” she said, laughing. I expected that, too.
“How much do you have saved?” I asked. “Do you have any savings at all?”
“No, we don’t,” she said. “There’s never been anything left over to save.”
They don’t have anything left to save because they’re very good at spending money. Gillian and Tom live well:
They have a nice custom-built home.
Each of them drives a late model SUV.
They have no kids.
They enjoy expensive hobbies.
I have friends who make half what Gillian and Tom do, but have built a nest egg because they maintain a frugal lifestyle. It should be easy for these two to reduce their spending to create a budget surplus. “Well, let’s see if we can find a way to free up some cash,” I said. “Let’s list your fixed monthly expenses.”
Gillian listed their bills one-by-one. I jotted them down, making note of anything that seemed particularly extravagant. “Okay, let’s see what we have,” I said. “You’re paying a housekeeper $50 a week. If you were to clean the house yourself, you’d save $200 a month.”
“But…” she began.
“I think you’d be surprised at how much difference $200 a month can make,” I said. “I know from experience that even a $50 positive cash flow can make the difference between feeling broke and feeling flush. A $200 difference is huge.”
“Yeah,” said Gillian, “but I don’t want to clean the house. It’s too much work.” I was puzzled. To me, this was a quick and obvious way to free up money. If I were in her shoes, the housekeeper would be the first thing to go — it would be worth some extra work on my part. I tried a different approach.
“You each have a cell phone,” I said. “Do you both need one?”
“Yes,” said Gillian. “I don’t know what I’d do without one. And Tom needs one for work. I need to be able to reach him.”
Her reasoning seemed thin, but I pressed on. “Well, what about the cable bill,” I said. “You’re paying $60 a month for that. That’s an easy one. What about cutting back to basic cable?”
“Oh, we can’t get rid of cable,” Gillian said. “We watch TV all the time.” I was silent. “Are you there?” she asked.
“I’m here,” I said. “I’m just trying to figure out what to do. In order for you to turn things around, you’re going to have to make some sacrifices.”
“Yeah,” she said, “but we can’t cut cable. Tom would have a fit.”
“Gillian,” I said, “this is a little frustrating. I thought you wanted to get out of your money situation.”
“I do,” she said, “but so far you’re just suggesting things for me to get rid of. Isn’t there something else we can do? Can’t we use a budget to get more money?”
“That’s what I’m talking about,” I said. “Cutting things like these is making a budget. I know it seems terrible to have to give things up, but you need to make sacrifices — at least in the short term — in order to get ahead. You don’t have any savings. Any disaster means you’re putting money on your credit card. You need to build up some savings. You need to pay off your existing debt. In order to do this, you need to spend less than you earn. Right now you’re spending exactly what you earn, and you’ll never get ahead that way. I know, because for years that’s how I operated. You’re going to have to tighten the belt, Gillian. It’s the only way.”
I paused, and then said, “You need to decide what’s important.”
It was obvious I wasn’t going to be able to help her. I hadn’t even explored the Big Ideas, like moving down to a smaller home or trading one of their SUVs for a used car. I had started with the medium-sized stuff — the obvious chaff. But Gillian wasn’t interested in making changes if it meant altering her lifestyle. I changed the subject.
We talked about summer. Gillian asked how our garden was. I described the knee-high corn, the ripe raspberries, and Kris’ monster tomatoes. “I’m jealous,” she said. “I don’t have time to garden. I did get a chance to go to the nursery last week, though. I was able to pick up five shrubs on sale for about $10 each.”
The shrubs were the final straw. There was nothing I could do to help her because she wasn’t ready to be helped. She wasn’t ready to listen. She said she wanted to change, but she didn’t really. She was looking for a magic pill, something that would make life easier without any effort on her part. That’s not how it works. Eventually Gillian will reach a place so bad that she’ll begin to see the need to take responsibility for improving her situation, but she’s not there yet.
Our conversation reminded me of an episode of This American Life I heard recently. The show profiled debt guru Dave Ramsey, and at one point the reporter played a segment in which Dave experienced similar frustration:
Tina calls Dave because she’s upside-down on her car loan. She recently wrecked the car, but rather than use the money to repair the vehicle, she spent it. “Ooooo-kay,” says Dave, obviously flustered. “I’m afraid what you’re looking at is probably a really good part-time job, about six or eight months of 80 hour weeks.”
“Eighty hour weeks?” says Tina. “That’s too much work.”
“I can’t help you, Tina,” says Dave.
And I can’t help you, Gillian.
This story is based on actual events. Names and situations have been changed to protect Gillian’s identity.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations.
Can you pay a loan with a credit card? Yes, paying a loan with a credit card is sometimes possible. Yet, whether or not you can do so depends on factors such as the lender’s policies or the type of loan you want to pay off.
Good credit can open doors, but bad credit can keep them shut. In fact, research shows one in 10 Americans were denied work because of poor credit history! Good credit is important because it tells lenders you’re not a risk and that you pay loans on time. A good score can help you get approved for mortgages, financing, loans, and credit cards. Bad credit leads to more fees, higher interest rates, and rejected applications.
Aside from securing loans, your credit can impact your ability to secure housing and even employment. Understanding your credit score can help you make more informed decisions. We’ll explore how credit works, why it’s important, and how to maintain a good credit score.
What Is Credit?
We often hear people saythat it’s important to build credit. But what is credit? When you pay for something “on credit,”you’re actually borrowing money to make the purchase, which you pay back later. But when people say “your credit,” they’re usually talking about a credit score.
Your credit score is a three-digit number calculated by FICO®, VantageScore, or other scoring models. Your score indicates how well you manage credit. Institutions and agencies use this score to determine risk, such as how likely you are to repay loans on time. A credit score of 670 or higher is considered good by most standards.
Why Is Credit Important?
Good credit is important because it helps you secure loans, mortgages, rentals, and other important financial goals. Financial institutions perform a credit check before approving applications, and use your credit history to determine available options, associated fees, and interest rates.
Credit can impact our daily lives in many ways. Potential lenders, landlords, and employers might reject your application if you have bad credit. But good credit can help you get approved for loans and save money.
There are many benefits to a good credit score. You’ll need a strong credit score for things like:
Loan applications: Lenders assess your credit to determine how likely you are to repay a loan. People with poor credit may face higher interest rates, smaller loans, or rejection.
Credit card applications: Banks and credit card companies need to look at your credit report before you can get a credit card. With good credit, you can get lower interest rates and higher limits.
Mortgage applications: Your credit score will determine monthly payments and interest rates. Good credit is essential if you can’t afford a large down payment.
Rental applications: Landlords can run a credit check or ask you to provide one. Credit score won’t impact the rental costs, but a landlord can reject an application due to poor credit.
Job applications: Prospective employers can ask for credit checks, especially if you are dealing with sensitive information. You may need a credit check for jobs in accounting, sales, the military, and other industries.
Insurance applications: Depending on where you live, you might need a credit check for insurance. Not all states allow insurance companies to access your credit information.
Vehicle rentals: You might need a credit check for vehicle rentals if you don’t pay with a credit card. And depending on your state and the company, your credit may impact your rental options.
Credit card benefits: Good credit can help you secure credit cards with benefits, including airline miles, travel credits, cashback rewards, and other perks.
Lower interest rates: Poor credit leads to higher interest rates, making borrowing money expensive. The better your credit, the more money you will save.
Better loan terms: Good credit gives you more options and freedom for repayment. Bad credit can limit your options to short-term loans with higher monthly payments.
Credit is always important, no matter how high or low your score. At the end of the day, everybody needs good credit to achieve their financial goals. That’s why it’s important to understand what can impact your credit score.
What Can Impact a Credit Score?
It might be surprising, but personal savings and stocks don’t impact your credit score. Credit score calculations look at your detailed credit history, and anything that impacts these calculations will impact your score.
The five main factors that impact your credit score are:
Payment history: when you make payments
Credit utilization: the amount of credit you use compared to your limit
Credit age: how long you’ve had credit and how old your accounts are
Credit mix: the types of credit you hold
Credit inquiries: how often your credit is reviewed
While this might look simple, many surprising scenarios can affect your credit. Unpaid parking tickets in collections can impact your payment history, for example. And closing a credit card can lower your credit utilization. You can review your free annual credit reports to watch for drops in your credit and work toward preventing a bad score.
What Happens with a Bad Credit Score?
Keep in mind that you can improve a bad credit score over time. But until you do, there can be negative consequences. Most credit scores range from 300-850, depending on the scoring model. A bad credit score generally ranges from 300-600.
Bad credit scores can lead to:
Rejected applications
Higher fees and interest rates
Lost work opportunities
Difficulty renting a vehicle
Required deposits for utilities
Difficulty securing a student loan
Expensive insurance rates
Difficulty opening bank accounts
Bad credit doesn’t shut every door, but it can make life more difficult and expensive. It’s important to check your credit score before buying a home, applying for student loans, and other important life events. This will give you time to understand your situation and make a plan to build and improve your credit.
How Do You Build and Improve Credit?
Now that you understand what credit is and why it’s important, you can plan for success. There are many ways to build and improve your credit without overextending yourself. No matter your score today, you can work toward a bright future with good credit.
Understand how credit works: Learn how your credit score works and what can impact it.
Set goals for yourself: Use this knowledge to set goals for minimizing debts, increasing utilization, and more.
Address your debts: Assess your debts and plan to pay them off.
Monitor your credit score: Look for suspicious activity on your credit report and be aware of the potential impact on your score.
Clean your credit report: Dispute errors on your credit report.
Get a secured credit card: Use it regularly and pay your bills on time.
Become an authorized credit card user: Build credit in association with somebody you trust.
Apply for a credit builder loan: Improve your score if you have poor or no credit.
Create a budget: Manage your finances to ensure consistent repayments.
Achieving a good credit score isn’t the end of your credit journey—once you have a good credit score, you will need to maintain it. Stay diligent and follow best practices to keep a good credit score.
How Do You Keep a Good Credit Score?
Don’t take good credit for granted. To keep a good credit score, you need to stay organized and sensible about your credit usage. This means understanding your responsibilities and following best practices for credit management.
Follow these tips for keeping a good credit score:
Stick to your budget: Committing to a budget can help you make payments on time, which is key to achieving a good credit score.
Avoid carrying debt: Credit utilization is the second most important factor that makes up your credit score. Unpaid debts accumulate interest, which means less money for you.
Pay bills and parking tickets on time: It’s important to pay all utility bills, phone bills, and parking tickets on time. Not paying bills can lead to collections and this impacts your credit score.
Don’t let debts go to collections: You should avoid collections at all costs. When unpaid debts go to collections, it can cause significant damage to your credit score.
Monitor your credit score and reports: When it comes to your credit, ignorance is not bliss. It’s important to watch your credit report for changes, errors, and suspicious activity.
Protect yourself from identity theft: A large drop in your credit score can be a sign of identity theft. Stay aware, protect your information, and consider a credit card with security features.
Use your credit card consistently: Using your credit card will help you build credit—just don’t spend more than you’re able to pay back each month.
Don’t close old credit cards: Closing a credit card lowers your credit mix, so it’s a good idea to leave old credit cards open, even if you don’t use them. Keep an eye on them for suspicious activity.
Only authorize people you trust: Authorized users on your accounts can impact your credit score. Only authorize accountable and trustworthy people.
Avoid retail credit cards: While retail credit cards can be easy to get, they can come with expensive rates and fees. And not all retail credit cards report payments, making them less ideal for building credit.
Don’t treat credit like extra cash: Building credit takes organization and discipline. You should always stick to a budget and avoid spending beyond your means.
Your credit score is like a financial reflection of you, so take pride in your credit and make an effort to keep a good score. Knowledge is power—the more you understand credit, the more confident you’ll feel when preparing for large purchases and other financial ventures.
Whether you have good or bad credit, it’s all about setting goals and staying organized. Remember, your current score is not set in stone. You can always improve credit management and make a difference in your future.
If you’re worried about bad credit or just want to see where you stand, get your free credit score today.
If you love birds, you’re not alone. Birds bring us joy with their bright colors and sweet melodies—and our friends on Reddit seem to agree. In fact, a recent survey found that these 12 magnificent feathered friends consistently topped the list as the most lovable birds around! From stunning parrots to majestic eagles, let’s take a look at what made these birds some of our favorites!
1. Cardinals
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user said, “Have you guys ever stopped to look at a cardinal? They’re incredible. That pointed crest is adorable.”
Another user replied, “Just saw my first male. He was absolutely stunning.”
“I find both sexes to be mesmerizing. The female’s mottled plumage and blood-orange beak are so pretty. The males are definitely more eye-catching, though. I see them occasionally in the peach tree outside my window in early springtime. Always gets a smile out of me,” a third Redditor responded.
One commenter added, “Ever see a cardinal in the winter? The bright red stands out in a field of white snow. Truly beautiful.”
2. Pelicans
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One of the Redditors added, “I enjoy a good pelican.”
Another user shared his story, “When I first got married, my Mom bought me this weird pelican statue as a wedding present. It’s way outside her norm for gift-giving, so I thought she was joking. Ever since then, my late husband and I would buy her something pelican related every year since she suddenly seemed to like them so much.”
“They look nearly prehistoric. I surf, and they skim the waves in formation, flowing around the lineup of people. Really crazy beings… if you’re able to let go of your familiarity with seeing them for a moment, they look like g-dd-mn dinosaurs,” one replied.
3. Penguins
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One Redditor said simply, “Penguins.”
Another user replied, “You just instantly reminded me of this penguin named Lala I saw on YouTube recently. What a nice bird.”
“Penguins are my favorite all-time animal to the point where, upon seeing the favorite bird question, I simply skipped penguins because, in my mind, they don’t count as birds; they’re just penguins-my-favorite-animal. Anyways, seconded,” one user agreed.
4. Ravens
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One Redditor commented, “Raven.”
Another user replied, “Seconded.”
“There’s a cute young raven that visits my alleyway sometimes. He took a Dorito from us once,” one commenter shared.
5. Chickadees
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Chickadee,” exclaimed one Redditor.
Another user added, “They have a lot more personality than many songbirds and are quite intelligent. Their warning call even says something about the type of danger. And they’ll stick around through winter while most of the other birds migrate. And I love how they grab one sunflower seed and fly off to a nearby tree to eat it, while other birds are more boring and just sit at the feeder shelling them.”
“Not only just grabbing a single seed, but they’ll take turns and even kinda line up, each one flying one spot closer as the bird at the head grabs a seed and flies off,” replied one user.
One user concluded, “I love chickadees! They are so small and round, and their call is super identifiable.”
6. Hummingbirds
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One Redditor shared, “Hummingbirds.”
A second replied, “So cool. Like there is the only thing that has adapted to move in all dimensions in the blink of an eye, no other fish or land animal can move anywhere near as precise or quickly. They’re the second fastest animal of any kind next to a falcon, even if they can only go that fast for like 2-3 seconds, but then they can also just stop on a dime. From a movement standpoint, by far the coolest animal.”
One user also agreed, “They’re magical!”
7. Crows
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Personally, I love Crows. They’re underrated,” one user posted.
Another user also commented, “I’m not sure I would say they are underrated. They have huge followings and fans.”
One user also commented, “Compared to most other bird species, not really [underrated]. Long-tailed tit is underrated, as are hooded mergansers, pied-billed grebes, and Wilson’s phalaropes—amazing birds that aren’t likely to be known by the average non-birder. Crows are super rad, and I love them, but they are a pretty popular bird.”
8. Cedar Waxwings
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Another bird enthusiast user commented, “Cedar waxwing.”
One user also shared a story about them, “We have a serviceberry tree in our yard, and every year when the berries ripen, the migrating cedar waxwings stop for a few days. They will clean the tree of berries. I absolutely love watching them from my kitchen window. Such beautiful birds!”
One user concluded, “So very dapper.”
9. Blue Jays
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
An ornithologist posted, “Ornithologist (bird scientist) here! I like Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata); their plumage is beautiful, they are intelligent songbirds (all of the Corvidae are smart birds), and they love peanuts! They are a bit loud but mimic other birds (sometimes mincing hawks to scare small birds away from feeders).”
Another user confirmed, “We have a bird feeder. The Blue Jays will mimic a hawk cry to scare off the other birds from the feeder before flying in.”
10. Ospreys
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Osprey. One dived into the water less than 20 feet away from me; very, very cool,” one user commented.
Another user shared, “There are wetlands near where I work, and at the moment, Ospreys are nesting. They predict the eggs will hatch in the next 3 weeks or so.”
One Redditor exclaimed, “Ospreys are one of my favorites too!”
11. Grackles
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user posted, “The grackle. The male is pretty in the sun, and they remind me of the zoo.”
Another user commented, “Oh, but have you been amidst a flock of grackles? They are LOUD.”
A third replied, “I like seeing the absolute hordes of them at dusk each night. In my area, you can usually find hundreds/thousands of bedding down for the night in some places (esp., grocery store parking lots with decent numbers of trees). It’s a nightly spectacle.”
12. Vultures
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
A Redditor shared, “I love vultures. Especially turkey vultures, since they’re common in my area. They are seen as ugly and gross because they eat dead things, but I find them to be really beautiful when I see them soaring in the sky because their wings can look iridescent black in the sunlight. They live in huge family groups, so when it’s breeding season, there are tons of them. And to top it off, they do a very important job in the environment by taking care of the dead carcasses.”
Another user exclaimed, “I was looking for this answer. Vultures do their part AND look cool doing it.”
One user also shared the same sentiments and commented, “Oh boy, I love buzzards. I find them imposing and beautiful. They don’t like to be stared at, and they will either fly off or make their wings into long fingers and shake them at you. They are so fantastic, soaring in circles in the sky; I always think, ‘I wish I could do that.’
Do you agree with all the birds listed above? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
These are 10 Things That Completely Destroyed The Love in a Relationship
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There’s no question that relationships can be confusing, but here are some of the top things to avoid if you want to keep your relationship healthy!
10 Actors and Actresses People Refuse to Watch Ever Again
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We all have a favorite actor or actress, but most of us have a least-favorite as well. Check out this list of actors and actresses people never want to see performing again!
Top 10 Worst Human Inventions of All Time
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Some inventions are world-changing, and some of them, well, they change the world in the wrong ways. Here are some of the worst inventions Redditors could think of.
10 Famous Celebrities Who Look Like They Smell Terrible
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We’ve all had moments of hygiene faux pas—but these celebrities just look like they don’t take care of themselves at all.
10 Terrible Fads People Are Glad Died Out
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Every fad has its time in the limelight, but some of them come and go faster than others; and some just need to die out right away. Check out this list of fads of which people were happy to see the last.
It’s no secret that celebrities have said some wild and outrageous things—both on-screen and off. From ridiculous demands to understanding complicated topics, these famous people will make you shake your head in disbelief. Whether it was a misinformed statement or something downright silly, prepare to be amazed by what they had to say or did! So get ready for an entertaining read as we explore the dumbest statements uttered by our beloved stars of stage and screen.
1. Not Fake a Hate Crime
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One user posted, “Jussie Smollett. Tracy Morgan said it best: ‘Yeah, they gave me a role on “Empire.” Contractually, they gave me millions of dollars. Contractually, all I gotta do is not fake a hate crime.’”
Another user replied, “Dave Chappelle’s bit about Jussie Smollett was pretty funny too. ‘The black community supported Jussie Smollett by keeping our mouths shut.’”
“This is the top one for me. It took so much careful planning and effort,” one commenter added.
2. If I Did It
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One Redditor posted, “Making a book called ‘If I Did It’ after being acquitted of murder.”
Another user replied, “The family of OJs victims got the rights of the book and made the ‘if’ incredibly small.”
One commenter added, “Also, the forward they added is called ‘He Did It.’”
Another Redditor said, “Kids today will never understand what a BIG FREAKIN’ DEAL the whole OJ thing was, from the car chase to the trial. So really, if it weren’t for OJ, we wouldn’t have The Kardashians.”
One user explained, “OJ was one of those athletes who managed to cross over to pop culture. He was on TV often between his acting and product endorsements. In addition to being considered one of the best football players, he had a squeaky-clean image. The closest parallel I can draw today is if Peyton Manning killed his wife and went on a police chase. Of course, there probably wouldn’t be a racial component as there was with OJ, but as far as images are concerned, OJ and Manning would be similar.”
3. Joining Scientology
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One user posted, “Joining Scientology, promoting it, and defending it.”
Another user replied, “Just look at Danny Masterson, they tried to cover up his [sexual] scandal, and thankfully he was convicted.”
4. Performing an Ukulele Apology
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Playing the ukulele to ‘apologize’ for being creepy to kids you met on the internet,” one Redditor posted.
Another user commented, “There’s no quicker way to make people think you’re diddling kids than writing a song about it!”
One commenter responded, “I saw a meme about it today, and it was like ‘Common playing in A minor got you in this situation in the first place’ and I was crying laughing.”
5. Trying to Bring a Controlled Substance On an Airplane
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Another user added, “Former NBA player Damon Stoudamire tried to get over 1 ounce of [drugs] onto an airplane, but got caught at the metal detectors because he wrapped it in Aluminum Foil.”
One user asked, “Is that what happened to him?! I was wondering why he just got up and disappeared.”
“He’s the head coach of Georgia Tech,” one Redditor answered.
6. Being Bill Cosby
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A Redditor shared, “Bill Cosby for being Bill Cosby. Millions adored this man as the father figure they always wanted. Until he wasn’t the father figure anyone wanted.”
One replied, “This one hurt severely. The public loved him. He had great stand-up routines and tv shows. I got to see him perform once.
“Then, Boom. It turns out he’s [sexually assaulted and] drugged women. Ugh.”
Another user added, “It was absolutely heartbreaking. I watched every episode of The Cosby Show, some more than once. It made me feel good; happy memories; everything was okay. Until it wasn’t.”
7. The Streisand Effect
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“Barbra Streisand created Streisand effect. She didn’t want her home to be known on the internet, so she did everything in her power to remove pictures and addresses but wasn’t successful, and in return, her home became a hot topic,” one user added.
One user replied, “It seems dumb today, but the internet was pretty new and kind of unknown to most people. I imagine this was thought the same way as going after a tabloid. But instead, we witnessed an entirely new phenomenon.”
Another user added, “The funny thing was, prior to her lawsuit, the picture featuring her house had been viewed five times. Presumably, one of those was Streisand herself, and another was her lawyer. IIRC, the offending picture was part of a project to photograph the entirety of the California coastline. So thousands of images. One of which happened to show the back of her house. There was nothing in the picture that identified the house as hers.”
8. Antonio Brown Incidents
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One user posted, “Here’s a list of Antonio Brown incidents from another thread. He could have legit been a potential Hall Of Fame player, as he was arguably one of the best WRs in the NFL. Then… he took crazy to a level that makes Kanye look sane. The dude has a lot more time to add some stupid [things] to it, but here goes:
“Edit: The newest is buying an Arena Football Team to be an owner/player then not paying league dues… currently the target of a class-action lawsuit for withholding paychecks to players as well.
“•Kicked out of Florida International University after fighting a security guard…
“• His second year in the league, he took a personal stretch limo to a charity event, had them open every single expensive bottle of wine, and rejected it. They refused to pay for it (charity, remember), then left. -credit Nduguu77…
• Trashed a condo and threw furniture out a window 14th-floor window, which almost hit some people, notably a child…
“• Threw a fit over Juju winning team MVP and trashed him on social media…
“• Held out and refused to show up to training camp because the NFL would not approve his helmet because it was too old for their safety standards…
“• Got fined by the Raiders for not attending camp…
“• Tried to fight Mike Mayock, called him a cracker, had to be held back by Vontaze Burfict, then punted a football down the practice field and said, ‘Fine me for that.’ [He was fined.]…
“• Released a video where he used audio of Jon Gruden, who didn’t know he was being recorded, which is illegal in California (full disclosure, Gruden has said he gave permission, but the generally accepted theory is that he said that in the hope that it would help get him to show up to the facility and not alienate him.)
“• Demanded a release from the Raiders…
“• Made a lot of crazy tweets saying stuff like ‘Devil is a lie,’ a proverb about burning down a village… he made a lot of crazy tweets around this time is the point here…
“• Signed with the Patriots…
“• The sexual assault allegations came out (the one where he’s getting sued)
“• The sexual harassment allegations came out (the one where he’s not getting sued)
“• Threatened the woman not suing him in a group text that included his lawyer and had a picture of her kids in the text
“• Got released by the Patriots after one week
“• Went off on a tweet storm and said a lot of crazy [things] about a lot of people, and was supportive of people sending threats to the writer of the article detailing the sexual harassment allegations
“• Said he was done with the NFL
“• Went back to college via online classes
“• Tried to outsource his homework to Twitter
“• Wants to come back to the NFL
“• Filed several grievances to try and get more than $40 million from the Raiders and Patriots…
“• Tweeted a couple of bizarre tweets about the Raiders using him for HBO ratings and the Patriots trying to steal his stuff and kept using this weird chicken-based metaphor
“• Tried out for the Saints and brought an entourage and film crew to shoot a music video with him when specifically told not to do that…
“• Tweeted ‘No more white woman 2020.’…
“• Used a bunch of slurs and profane language toward cops in an Instagram video he posted
“• A police youth football league cut ties with him and returned a donation after the release of the video saying there was an ‘irreparable rift’ between the department and AB…
“• Was involved in a dispute with movers at his home, where he allegedly threw rocks at the movers and moving vans. He is currently being investigated for battery by the police…
“• Warrant issued for the arrest of AB…
“• Rumors spread about AB signing with Tampa or Seattle
“• AB announces his retirement (for what I believe is the third time, it’s hard to find a good record of the rest of them.) Two days later, AB wants to play again and is asking for the league to wrap up its investigation
“• The NFL announces an eight-game suspension for AB… under investigation for the bike-throwing incident
“• Allegedly acquired fake covid-19 card. Confirmed to have acquired a fake covid-19 card and subsequently suspended for three games
“• Removed jerseys and pads and threw them in the stands before exiting the game verse the Jets. Was subsequently cut from the Bucs for stripping on the field…”
9. Praising Nazi Germany
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“Losing a billion-dollar shoe deal b/c he couldn’t stop talking about how much he loves Hitler,” one user added.
Another user replied, “When Alex Jones is trying to reign you in, you know you’re spouting some crazy [things].”
One commenter shared, “That was such a bizarre interview. Alex REPEATEDLY gave him outs like, ‘As a fashion designer, surely you just appreciated their uniforms, RIGHT?’ And Kanye pretty much says, ‘Nah, I just like Hitler, man.’ Wtf?”
10. Staging a Hate Crime
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One user answered, “[Jussie Smollet] is a contender, although many choices exist. He stages a hate crime to gain leverage in contract negotiations… He hires meatheads to do the deed and pays them with a check. Of course, he lied the whole time, then the video turns up, and the DA figures it out.
“But being famous, he pulls strings and escapes prosecution for making a false claim. THEN…the political tide shifts, and he runs his mouth and refuses to reimburse the county for the cost of the investigation. And so the new DA says f- it and prosecutes him, and he gets convicted because he was obviously guilty.”
11. Posting a Video of Violent Death
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“Logan Paul posted a full YouTube video of someone hanging in a forest,” one user posted.
Another user commented, “Well, his whole family seems like crap, so no surprise he’s a huge [jerk].”
One Redditor added, “Even worse was that he was in Aokigahara, the ‘suicide forest’ in Japan. It’s unclear why that forest is such a popular place for people to un-alive themselves, but to revel in such a horrible event for internet fame is despicable.”
12. Saying You Could Have Saved Flight 11
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One user posted, “Mark Wahlberg saying if he had been on flight 11 (like he was supposed to), it wouldn’t have crashed because he would have killed the terrorists then figured out how to land the plane.”
Another user replied, “So he said what every person in Boston says daily.”
13. Debating Word Definitions
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One user shared, “That time Jennifer Garner corrected Conan O’Brien on the word snuck is one of my favorites. The fact that she throws in the bit about him going to Harvard makes it extra delicious.”
Another user replied, “His laugh when pulling out the dictionary to prove her wrong lives in my mind rent-free.”
14. Gwenyth Paltrow’s Goop
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“Gwenyth Paltrow and everything she promotes. Here’s a tea made with echinacea, random plants I got from cutting my yard. I stirred it with my [privates]. It’ll cure ED, lung cancer, whatever. Now available at Goop,” posted one user.
Another user replied, “Doesn’t everyone want a $100 candle that smells like my [body]..?”
15. A Math Called Terryology
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One user posted, “Terrance Howard ‘invented’ his own math called Terryology.”
Another user replied, “‘How can it equal one?’ he said. ‘If one [times] one equals one, that means that two is of no value because one [times] itself has no effect. One [times] one equals two because the square root of four is two, so what’s the square root of two? Should be one, but we’re told it’s two, and that cannot be.’”
Do you agree with the statements listed above? Share your thoughts!
Source: Reddit.
These are 10 Things That Completely Destroyed The Love in a Relationship
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There’s no question that relationships can be confusing, but here are some of the top things to avoid if you want to keep your relationship healthy!
10 Actors and Actresses People Refuse to Watch Ever Again
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We all have a favorite actor or actress, but most of us have a least-favorite as well. Check out this list of actors and actresses people never want to see performing again!
Top 10 Worst Human Inventions of All Time
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Some inventions are world-changing, and some of them, well, they change the world in the wrong ways. Here are some of the worst inventions Redditors could think of.
10 Famous Celebrities Who Look Like They Smell Terrible
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We’ve all had moments of hygiene faux pas—but these celebrities just look like they don’t take care of themselves at all.
10 Terrible Fads People Are Glad Died Out
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Every fad has its time in the limelight, but some of them come and go faster than others; and some just need to die out right away. Check out this list of fads of which people were happy to see the last.
Whether you’re planning to list your home for sale tomorrow or three years from now, it’s never too early to start making investments that will ultimately increase your home’s value.
According to the 2017 Cost vs. Value report, you will get the best return on your investment (ROI) from major renovations including: new attic insulation, basement and kitchen remodels, and adding a second story.
But even if you’re not in the position to start a major renovation—cost or time-wise—there are still plenty of smaller projects. Some you can do yourself, and they’ll help you increase your home’s value to better prepare you for the day you’re ready to sell.
Read on to learn about four small projects that you can work on (maybe this weekend) to boost your home value and make your home stand out in a crowded market.
1. Replace Your Front Door
Updating your front door is a great way to boost your curb appeal. First impressions can make or break your interactions with prospective buyers—especially since most buyers (51%) use the internet to find their home.
If you want would-be buyers to keep reading about your house and eventually schedule an in-person visit, the exterior of your home needs to look clean and inviting.
At a minimum, you’ll want to give your door a fresh coat of paint. Consider choosing a bright color that contrasts with the color of your home, but accentuates your landscaping. Upgrade the hardware on the door, too, for a simple makeover that packs a punch.
If you have more wiggle room in your budget, consider upgrading your front door to steel. Potential homebuyers will appreciate the added durability and security, and you’re likely to get a 90.7% return on your investment.
2. Upgrade Your Landscaping
Landscaping is another component of curb appeal that can really set your house apart from other listings. Prospective homebuyers tend to think (consciously or not) that if the exterior of a home looks well taken care of, the inside will be, too.
Make sure to get rid of any clutter like kids’ toys or bikes that could detract from your landscaping. You’ll also want to make minor repairs or upgrades to parts of your exterior, like painting a rusty gutter or replacing a broken fence panel.
Landscaping isn’t just about a well-manicured lawn and adding color with plants. It could include building a flagstone pathway to the backyard, installing a wrought-iron fence to increase the privacy of your front lawn, incorporating a zen water feature, or creating a peaceful place to relax (not to mention creating more living space) with the addition of a gazebo.
Quality landscaping can add up to 20% to your home’s value—a significant increase!
3. Let the Sun Shine
Maximizing natural light is a great way to make your home look larger and more inviting to prospective homebuyers. Skylights are great for brightening up dark spaces like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Keep in mind though, adding a skylight is similar to adding another window to your home in that it can increase the demand on your HVAC system. You can cut energy loss off at the pass by purchasing Energy Star no-leak skylights to keep your utility bills low. You may even be eligible for a tax credit.
If skylights are beyond your budget, check out solar tubes. Solar tubes are usually half the cost of skylights and as long as you are comfortable working on a roof, you can probably install one yourself. Even the smallest solar tube, 10-inches, is the equivalent of three 100-watt bulbs, which is enough to illuminate up to 200 square feet.
4. Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Today’s homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for a home with energy efficient features. According to Globst.com, buyers will pay up to $11,000 more for a home with well-insulated windows and Energy-star appliances because of the long-term savings they can expect to experience with their monthly utility bills.
Regardless of your budget, there are plenty of ways to make your home more energy efficient. On the lower end of the cost spectrum, you can start by installing ceiling fans, programmable thermostats, and efficient toilets and showerheads.
If you have more to invest, you could upgrade your insulation—fiberglass insulation ranks high with an ROI of 107.7%—or even install solar panels on your roof.
The best part of this investment is that you don’t have to wait until you sell your home to reap the benefits. You’ll benefit from lower utility bills (and a smaller carbon footprint) while you still live in your home.
No matter which home improvement projects you take on to increase your home value, none of them will be terribly effective if you neglect basic home maintenance.
If there are problems with your home’s exterior—like broken shutters or cracked concrete, or even the way your dryer only works if you shut the lid in a certain way, it will be a big red flag to buyers. Consider creating and sticking to a year-round maintenance plan for a trouble-free home.
Amanda recently sent J.D. an e-mail looking for advice about gift-giving:
My husband and I have made huge lifestyle changes since our son was born with congenital heart disease four years ago. He’s had five open-heart-surgeries, and we’ve had some killer medical bills. My husband stays home with both of our kids to help prevent Liam from getting sick too often, so we’ve gone down to one income, one car, basic cable, and a really aggressive budget.
One of our worst budget breakers however is gifts. I have eleven nieces and nephews, two kids, etc. At Christmas we’ve convinced both sides to just do a name exchange and then we only have to buy for two nieces/nephews on either side, which helps and we’ve just outright stopped exchanging gifts with our brothers & sisters, but there are still our parents, his grandparents, kids of friends who have birthday parties, and graduations, weddings, and baby showers!
We actually do plan most of these things into discretionary spending since we know when people have birthdays, but it’s always those gotchas like weddings and new babies (and we didn’t pre-think graduations with this year’s planning).
Could you offer any advice on fitting generosity and gift giving into a frugal budget? No one wants to be a grinch, but it really adds up some months. Sometimes, it’s half of our discretionary spending just to get small gifts (we only spend $10-15/kid!).
Ah, Amanda, I hear you! Gifts can be a budgeter’s downfall! Many of us readily accept our own sacrifices in the name of being frugal, but don’t want to seem “cheap” when it comes to giving gifts to others. I’ve struggled with both sides of this issue.
One side of me likes choosing and giving gifts, likes having those gifts appreciated, likes receiving gifts in return. But the other side opposes the commercialism and expectations that accompany holidays and occasions. Too often, hastily-purchased gifts can seem like a substitute for the spare time and energy we don’t have to make a gift meaningful. These gifts can be merely an obligation, which is no fun for either giver or recipient.
For big family gift-oriented occasions like Christmas (Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc), you must have “The Talk”. In some families, money is a difficult subject, but your options are either to continue spending more than you want on presents, or to mystify everyone when you cut them off cold turkey. A good way to start is to explain your budget goals, as in, “We’re starting to save for the kids’ education funds,” “…to buy a house,” “to be able to afford to live on one salary,” “pay off the credit cards” or something like that — just make sure you’re being honest.
Whatever you do, don’t insist that everyone stop giving gifts to you (or your kids). You have the right to stop giving gifts, but for many people, being generous with presents is a true pleasure and you should avoid depriving them of that pleasure. It may seem wrong to accept without giving, but you can give back in other ways. Of course, your relatives and friends may be relieved at the prospect of the never-ending gift-exchange ending — maybe they were just too shy to bring it up.
If you don’t want to stop all gifts, here are some ideas to cut costs.
Draw names. As Amanda does, this can allow you to focus on one or two recipients instead of the whole clan. There are various arrangements. Some families write their name and a gift suggestion or two on a slip of paper. In some systems, adults pick an adult and each kid gives to a kid (with adult help as needed). Or, if everyone is gathering together, each person can bring one gift (marked as adult or child) and you can do a sort of “Yankee swap” exchange where unwrapped presents can be stolen or traded until everyone ends up with someone.
Be creative. On J.D.’s side of the family, we have been doing $5 gifts for several years. Everyone (7 adults, 4 kids) buys a $5 (or under) gift for everyone else. (This was my sister-in-law’s idea.) J.D.’s mother asked to be excepted — she loves piling gifts on everyone and exercises her grandmotherly rights to do so. The $5 limit has forced us to be bargain hunters and the results are often both surprising and hilarious. We found a practically new set of drafting pens for a brother’s gift: $80 new, marked as $10 at a garage sale but we bargained it down to five!
Emphasize the experience. Some people have more time than money. If you fit in that category, you can use it to your advantage for all sorts of occasions. Do friends have a new baby? Deliver dinner to the new parents, then stay to hold the baby while they eat the meal. Clean up afterwards, of course. Nieces and nephews? For that special occasion, invite them to join your family for camping, a hike, miniature golf — whatever your family does for fun. You’ll all get to know each other better, too. Parents and grandparents often would rather have you spend time than money on them, as well. Invite them over for brunch, or go feed the ducks at the park, or hear a free concert together.
Don’t turn your nose up at used. Aren’t we silly Americans! We talk about how great recycling is but we want everything we get to be new, new, new! It’s all about mindset. For kids’ toys, as long as they’re in safe condition, the fact that they’re “pre-owned” means little to a child — unless non-stop commercialism has already gotten to them! J.D. and I found two wooden sleds set out for the trash pickup in a ritzy neighborhood. After swallowing our hesitation, we grabbed them. With a cleaning and a few minor repairs, they were good to go — and looked great under the Christmas tree. Keep your eyes open all year for bargains, or arrange a toy exchange or toy hand-me-down system with friends and neighbors. Get to know people’s tastes and decorating styles so you can choose gifts they will appreciate.
Kids love the dollar store. I know, I know — everything’s made in foreign countries by underpaid workers. But seriously, if you are spending more than $3 for a kid’s birthday party gift, you need to visit a dollar store. The kids I know are fascinated by dollar store stuff until age 6 or 7. The parents may turn up their noses, but what kid wouldn’t love growing giant lizards or sharks (600% growth — just soak ’em in water!), red-white-and-blue glow necklaces, or a hundred fuzzy animal stickers?
Agree that gifts are only for the kids. Not having kids myself, I wouldn’t vote for this option, but I know many families like it. I think a better choice if you’re going to do this is to have adults buy small gifts for the kids ($5-10), and let kids make homemade gifts for the adults. I think this gets kids to think about giving as well as receiving.
Use homemade gifts. I’m a big fan for using the homemade gift for most every occasion. Special birthdays get a bouquet of garden flowers in a mason jar. Or, I take the time to write a sincere note in a beautiful card. If someone’s a fan of sweets, I’ll whip up a batch of cookies. If the season’s right, I might present them with fresh berries or a holly and cedar swag. The cost for all these gifts is minimal, but the gesture is still meaningful.
Mass produce. Last year, English Major offered a great tip about gift-giving ideas. You can save lots of dough by the assembly line approach. Pick a gift that will be appropriate for your list of recipients and buy craft items, ingredients, or components in bulk. Before you start, figure out how many gifts you’ll need and the cost per assembled gift. Check the figures against your budget. To maximize this idea, choose an idea that still allows for some personalization, say in the color or style of gift.
Just speak up. At my workplace, the envelope is constantly being passed for one event or another. The loss of a parent, a new baby, a retirement, etc. The flowers or gifts purchased with the collected cash may very well be much appreciated. But if your budget prevents you from chipping in, instead write a heartfelt note or tell the person face-to-face. A verbal expression of sympathy or support may be just what they need.
Shrug it off. Unfortunately, some people are all about the goods. If the people in your life aren’t going to appreciate or adjust to your frugal mindset, you have a choice to make. Keep spending to keep up with the Joneses, or go your own way and hold your head high. Find ways to show you care that don’t just involve handing over your debit card. Give when you can; give what you want to.
The side benefit of implementing any of these ideas is that it moves the whole concept of giving gifts back to thoughtfulness, effort, and individual creativity, rather than the focus on prices and packaging. Think of it as one small chink in the great wall of marketing and consumerism!
These are just some thoughts on the topic to get the discussion rolling. I’m sure there are scores of creative solutions out there.
Looking for a stylish and comfortable mid century lounge chair for your home or office? We’ve got you covered. Our team of experts has researched and tested numerous options to bring you the best products on the market. With so many choices available, we understand that finding the perfect chair can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve taken into consideration essential criteria such as quality of materials, comfort level, and overall design, as well as customer reviews, to create a list of top recommendations. Whether you prefer a classic or modern twist on the mid century design, our selection has something for everyone. So why wait? Invest in a high-quality mid century lounge chair today and enjoy the benefits of improved comfort and timeless style.
Modway Bestow Mid-Century Velvet Accent Chair Green
The Modway Bestow Mid-Century Performance Velvet Upholstered Tufted Accent Lounge Chair in Green is a stunning addition to any living space. Made with high-quality velvet upholstery, this chair is both comfortable and stylish. The tufted backrest and armrests provide excellent support, while the solid wood frame ensures durability. This chair is perfect for relaxing, reading, or enjoying a cup of coffee. Its mid-century design will complement any decor, and its vibrant green color will add a pop of color to your room. Don’t miss out on this gorgeous armchair!
The Modway Empress Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Leather Accent Arm Lounge Chair in Black is a stylish and comfortable addition to any living space. Made with high-quality leather and a sturdy frame, this armchair is both durable and luxurious. Its mid-century modern design adds a touch of sophistication, while the comfortable cushioning ensures a cozy seating experience. Perfect for lounging, reading, or simply relaxing, this armchair is a versatile piece that will elevate any room.
The Aoparts Mid Century Modern Shell Lounge Chair is a beautiful addition to any living space. Made with high-quality faux leather and solid wood accent legs, this chair is perfect for lounging, reading, or simply relaxing. The comfortable backrest and seat cushion provide ample support, while the classic design adds a touch of Scandinavian elegance to any room. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room or a comfortable chair for your office or salon, the Aoparts Mid Century Modern Shell Lounge Chair is a must-have. Available in white, this chair is sure to complement any décor.
Mid-century modern design, Comfortable faux leather, Solid wood accent
May not suit all decor
OAKHAM Mid Century Modern Chair White
The OAKHAM Mid Century Modern Chair is a stunning addition to any living space. Made with high-quality leather and featuring a sleek, Scandinavian design, this chair is both comfortable and stylish. Its shell lounge design provides excellent support while also adding a touch of elegance to any room. Perfect for use as an accent chair or side chair, the OAKHAM Mid Century Modern Chair is sure to impress. Available in a beautiful white color, this chair is a must-have for those looking to elevate their home decor.
Stylish mid-century design, Comfortable leather accent, Durable and sturdy construction
May not fit all decor
Furgle Shell Lounge Chair PU Leather Style-16
The Furgle Mid Century Modern Shell Lounge Chair is a beautiful and stylish addition to any living room, reading nook, or office space. Made with high-quality PU leather and a solid wood tripod base, this chair combines both comfort and durability. The classic design and sleek style make it a versatile piece that can fit into any decor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to curl up with a book or a statement piece for your home, the Furgle Mid Century Modern Shell Lounge Chair is the perfect choice.
Stylish mid-century design, Comfortable and supportive, Durable materials used
Limited color options
KINFFICT Mid Century Accent Chair
The KINFFICT Upholstered Mid Century Accent Chair is a stylish and comfortable addition to any living room or bedroom. With its thicken cushion and sturdy wooden frame, this armchair offers both durability and relaxation. Its 300 lbs weight capacity ensures that it can accommodate a wide range of people, while its coffee color adds a touch of modernity to any space. Whether you are reading a book or watching TV, this lounge chair is perfect for any cozy night in.
Mid-century modern design, Thick and comfortable cushion, Sturdy and durable construction
May not fit all decor styles
BELLEZE Shell Chair Avalon Black
The BELLEZE Shell Chair is a sleek and stylish addition to any home or office. Made with a solid wood tripod base and a faux leather padded seat, this mid-century modern accent chair is both comfortable and durable. Perfect for use in the living room, bedroom, or office, the armless design and compact size make it easy to fit into any space. The black Avalon color adds a sophisticated touch to any decor. Overall, the BELLEZE Shell Chair is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and stylish seating option.
Mid-century modern design, Comfortable padded seat, Solid wood construction
Limited color options
ZHENGHAO Swivel Accent Chair with Ottoman
The ZHENGHAO Swivel Accent Chair with Ottoman is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of mid-century modern flair to their home. The chair’s faux fur material and fluffy armrests provide ultimate comfort, while the 360-degree metal base and footrest allow for easy movement and relaxation. Whether you’re reading a book in your living room or lounging in your bedroom, this chair and ottoman set is the perfect addition to any space. Available in white fur with a white base, this chair is sure to elevate your home decor.
Comfortable and cozy, Sturdy metal base, Swivels 360 degrees
May shed fur
ANJHOME Mid Century Modern Accent Chairs Set of 2
The ANJHOME Mid Century Modern Accent Chairs Set of 2 are a great addition to any living room. These armchairs are made with a solid wood frame and upholstered with a comfortable fabric that makes them perfect for reading or lounging. Assembly is easy and straightforward, and the chairs come in a beige color that complements any decor. Not only are they stylish and comfortable, but they are also durable and made to last. These chairs are perfect for relaxing after a long day or for entertaining guests.
The Guyou Mid Century Modern Accent Chair with Ottoman Set is a stylish and comfortable addition to any home. Made with high-quality materials, this chair is both durable and comfortable. The beige upholstery is easy to maintain and complements any décor. The lumbar cushion provides extra support, making this chair perfect for long periods of sitting. Whether you’re lounging in your living room or need a comfortable place to sit in your bedroom, the Guyou Mid Century Modern Accent Chair with Ottoman Set is the perfect choice.
Comfortable, Stylish design, Includes ottoman
Assembly required
FAQ
Q: What is a mid-century lounge chair?
A: A mid-century lounge chair is a type of indoor lounge chair that was popularized in the mid-20th century. It typically features clean lines, organic shapes, and a minimalist design. Mid-century lounge chairs are often made from high-quality materials like leather and wood, and are known for their comfort and durability.
Q: What should I look for in the best lounge chair?
A: When searching for the best lounge chair, there are a few important factors to consider. First, look for a chair that is both comfortable and supportive. It should provide adequate cushioning and support for your back and neck. Additionally, consider the chair’s design and style to ensure it fits with your existing decor. Finally, look for a chair made from high-quality materials, such as leather or wood, to ensure it will last for years to come.
Q: Can a mid-century lounge chair be used in modern decor?
A: Absolutely! Mid-century lounge chairs are known for their timeless design and versatility, making them a great choice for modern decor. They can be paired with a variety of different styles and colors, and can be used to add a touch of warmth and texture to any space. Whether you’re going for a minimalist, bohemian, or industrial look, a mid-century lounge chair is a great option.
Conclusions
After conducting thorough research and analysis of multiple mid century lounge chairs, we have come to the conclusion that these chairs offer a timeless aesthetic and comfortable seating experience. From the classic design of the Furgle Mid Century Modern Shell Lounge Chair to the sleek leather upholstery of the Modway Empress Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Leather Accent Arm Lounge Chair, each product has its own unique features that cater to different preferences. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room or a cozy reading nook chair, there is a mid century lounge chair out there for you. Overall, we highly recommend considering a mid century lounge chair for your home or office space.
On Monday I mentioned that it pays to shop around for the lowest price. This skill is specially important when making large money decisions. You should always shop around when purchasing a car, obtaining a mortage, or hiring a contractor. We’ve discussed getting the best deal on a car before. We’ve touched on mortgages, and are sure to discuss them more in the future. Today I want to share my approach to finding a contractor.
The New Roof We bought our first house in the spring of 1993. The roof was in bad shape and needed to be replaced before we could close the deal. Fortunately, we had a good working relationship with the seller: he offered to grant us a $2,000 credit if we would take care of finding a roofer.
I had never done anything like this before, nor had any of my friends. I looked in the phone book and found a local roofer. When I called, he could sense that I was confused, so he talked me through the process, asking about the size of the house, the slope of the roof, the material we wanted to use, the condition of the existing shingles. He gave me a quote of $2300.
I called two more places. One quoted $2500 and the other quoted $1800. But the last place couldn’t do the roof repair for three weeks. Three weeks!?! I needed it done by the following weekend. This was getting complicated.
I got out a sheet of paper and made a list.
Company
Cost
Lead Time
Notes
Johnny B. Goode
$2300
5 days
local guy
Golden Shingles
$2500
3 days
ABC Roofing
$1800
21 days
no weekends
I spent my lunch-breaks during the next two days calling roofing contractors. When I was finished, I had a list of twenty bids. The lowest quote was $1200; the highest was $4800. (I’ve never figured out why that bid was so out of range.)
I had created this list on a whim, but found it invaluable. After eliminating from consideration those contractors who couldn’t meet the time-frame and those that would not offer a strong enough guarantee, I had a list to six or seven potentials. The contractor I hired did not offer the lowest price, but he:
ran a family business like mine
was willing to answer my questions
offered a $500 reduction if I helped on the project (he was short-handed)
Though this contractor wasn’t the cheapest, the $1800 net cost was relatively low. A friend and I spent a long weekend ripping off old shingles and nailing down new ones. It was hard work. I learned something about roofing in the process, and for the decade we lived in that house, I was filled with a sense of pride whenever I had to climb on the roof to clean the gutters.
In the summer of 2006, we had to repair a section of the roof on our current home. We didn’t call twenty contractors this time, but we did call half a dozen. Again there was wide disparity in the bids: they ranged from a low of $300 to a high of $3000. We chose a company that quoted $800, but which seemed to understand what we wanted.
The Bathroom Remodel When we bought this house, we knew that the bathroom would have to be remodeled. It was a mess, filled with eighty years of shoddy add-ons:
The shower stall was huge, and dominated the room.
The plumbing and electrical work were not to code.
There was minimal lighting.
You could see through to the basement in one section of the floor.
We went to the Portland Home & Garden Show to get ideas. There we found a company whose work we loved, and invited them to bid. They gave us an estimate of $34,000. That was more than twice what we had planned to pay.
Kris found a web site that matched jobs with contractors, and it paired us with a fellow who gave us a bid of $15,000. That was exactly at our budget (probably because we had to tell the web site what our budget was), but we weren’t confident that this contractor was listening to what we wanted. He didn’t seem competent.
One of Kris’ co-workers recommended another contractor. We met with him, liked him immediately, felt he was playing fair with us, and were pleased that he could meet our timeline. He quoted us $18,000 — $21,000 if we did everything to code and got all the permits, etc. We chose the latter option.
In retrospect, we probably could have spent more time to find a lower bid. But we were pleased with the final results, and plan to hire this contractor again in the future.
Conclusion When you shop around for groceries, you can save maybe $1 on a loaf of bread. When you shop around for a plasma television, you might save $200. But when you shop around for big-ticket items, you can save thousands of dollars.
Some people feel guilty asking a company for a price quote and then not using them. Don’t. That’s how it works. The company isn’t offended. They quote similar jobs every day. Sometimes they get the work — sometimes they don’t. Your priority is finding a company that you can trust to do the work at a reasonable rate.
When comparing prices, be sure you match apples to apples. The deal from Rock Bottom Cabinets might not be so impressive if they don’t offer any sort of guaranty on their workmanship. Consider the following when making your decision:
Reputation — Ask for references. Check the references. Better yet, search the web. (Angie’s List is a good source for information on contractors.)
Reliability — Is the company licensed and bonded? Registered with the state contractors board? Do they offer a warranty?
Schedule — It’s no use taking the lowest bidder if the company is unable to complete the project on your timeline.
Quality — Try to get a sense of the quality of each contractor’s workmanship. Those who bid on our bathroom remodel brought photo albums to show us. The low bidder didn’t.
You can also save money by doing some of the work yourself, but that’s a subject for another day!
This is a guest-post from Chris Heiska, The Yardsale Queen.
Some people believe the myth that there’s only junk at yardsales and thrift stores. That is absolutely not true. Buying at yardsales doesn’t necessarily mean that you are buying someone’s used, dirty castoffs. I often find Christmas wrapping paper still attached to the box, or a wedding card tucked inside of a box that was probably a duplicate wedding gift (and now the present that probably cost $40 in the store is selling for $5 at a yardsale).
The nicer stuff does get snapped up quickly, so persistence is the key. I often stop by the thrift store in my town two or more times a week to see what “new” stuff has come in. Often the cashier says to me, “Oh, we just put this out today.”
I can’t say specifically that shopping at yardsales and thrift stores is totally responsible for us living a debt-free life, but I know it has definitely helped. (Our mortgage was paid off in April 2000.) For instance, I’m not spending $99 for a metal two-drawer filing cabinet at Staples and putting it on a credit card; instead, I bought a similar one for $4 at thrift store. I don’t have high credit card bills since if I know I need something, I just wait until I can find it cheap at a yardsale.
Shopping at yardsales has enhanced our lifestyle — our money goes a lot further than buying retail. My son is enjoying playing in a $50 camping tent from Target that we have set up in the backyard. I paid $5 (still new in the box) at a yardsale a few years back.
Here are a few tips when shopping at yardsales:
Be sure to look over stuff carefully since things are generally sold “as-is”.
It’s easier to shop when I am not lugging my huge heavy handbag around so I wear a fanny pack. It keeps my hands free to look over items and carry stuff.
If you are buying something in a box, make sure its what it says it is. My friend was disappointed when he bought a printer at a yardsale and opened the box at home to find the seller’s old printer in the box, not the one pictured on the box.
Carry lots of change and small bills — much quicker to pay for something with exact change than waiting for the seller to make change.
When buying electronics, ask to plug it in to test it.
When buying a big item (like a desk or set of drawers), if you have to come back later with a truck to pick it up, take a piece with you — like a single drawer. That way the seller won’t be tempted to sell it to someone else who comes by later and offers more money.
Clothes can be a real bargain at yardsales. The downfall is that you can’t try them on to see if they fit. Sometimes thrift stores have dressing rooms. Make sure all the buttons are there and the zipper zips. I also check the label for cleaning instructions (if it says Dry Clean Only, I tend to stay away since I want wash ‘n’ wear clothing). I also try to plan ahead for any special event clothing we may need. When I saw a classic conservative black dress ($5) that could be used for funerals or weddings (multipurpose!) I bought it since I knew it would come in handy.
When buying CDs, VHS, or DVDs, check to make sure the right item is in the right case. Check the backs of DVDs and Cds for excessive scratches.
If toys are electronics aren’t working, check the battery compartment to see if they have corroded batteries inside. I keep a multi-purpose tool in my fanny pack with a screwdriver to check.
Look toys over carefully before giving to your child. I found nails and thumbtacks thrown in a canister of TinkerToys. For baby items, you can usually call the manufacturer’s toll-free number to find out if an item has been recalled. The safety belt on my child’s baby swing (that I bought at a yardsale) had been recalled and they sent me a replacement safety belt.
In general, I would stay away from buying a used baby carseat at a yardsale or thrift unless of course I personally knew and trusted the seller.
If you buy glassware, gently run your fingers of the edges. Sometimes your fingers can catch imperfections easier than your eyes.
Note that not every thrift store is created equal — some are run by volunteers and others are run for profit by storeowners. To find some non-profit thrift stores in your area (or to check some out while on vacation), visit thethriftshopper.com.
And when you do decide to check out your local thrift stores, flea markets and yardsales, you never know who you may run into. Celebrities who have been seen buying secondhand include Kirstie Alley, Jodie Foster, Clint Eastwood and even Oprah to name a few. If buying secondhand is good enough for them, it’s good enough for me!
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Visit Chris at The Yardsale Queen for more ideas on how to save money at garage sales and thrift stores.